| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 17g | 7g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36g | 5g | 3g | 0.4g |
Cardamom Infused Apple Pie has become a beloved fixture in our home, merging the sweet and tart notes of apples with the fragrant, spicy warmth of cardamom. As someone rooted in both New England’s seafood traditions and Irish comfort food, I cherish recipes that envelop the kitchen in the comforting scent of spices and fruit. This pie doesn’t just tantalize your taste buds; it wraps you in a cocoon of nostalgia and warmth, a sensation that I find increasingly priceless as I share these moments with Laura and our baby boy.
Family Memories in Every Slice
Food often transcends mere nutrients and calories; it becomes a vessel for memories. Growing up, my grandparents always had something baking in the oven, filling their home with irresistible aromas. Cardamom Infused Apple Pie takes me back to those simpler times, reminding me of family gatherings and warmth-filled kitchens, even though cardamom was not a staple in my grandparents’ time. By blending this spice with apples, I’m able to create my own family traditions, baking this pie not just for its taste but for the cherished memories it helps create right at our dining table.
Health Benefits and Flavor
It’s not just about nostalgia and flavor; this recipe offers a few health benefits too. Apples are loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Adding cardamom, packed with anti-inflammatory properties, makes this pie a treat that’s not only delicious but also a bit kinder to your body. If you’d like to read more about the health benefits of cardamom, you can check out this article on Healthline.
Especially during the fall season, apples are a fantastic source of nourishment. They are known to support heart health and may aid in weight management. Combine that with the other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, both known for their own health benefits, and you have a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also contributes positively to your well-being.
Pairing Perfection
One of the joys of Cardamom Infused Apple Pie is its versatility. While it stands out phenomenally on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can make it even more indulgent. This pie also shares similarities with other beloved desserts, like my Irish Apple Cake or even the classic New England Blueberry Pie — each bringing its own unique twist to the table.
If you’re planning a dinner, this pie can serve as an elegant dessert alongside a traditional New England dinner of clam chowder and lobster rolls. Or, if you’re leaning more towards comfort food, it fits perfectly after a hearty Irish stew. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this pie is sure to be a hit.
So, whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned veteran, this Cardamom Infused Apple Pie brings a little bit of tradition, a splash of health benefits, and a whole lot of flavor to your table. Bake it once, and it just might become a cherished part of your family’s culinary fabric, just as it has become in ours.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ½ pounds of apples (about 5-6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (for a double-crust 9-inch pie)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
“`
Method
“`html
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Step Four
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Step Five
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apple mixture and toss to combine. This will help thicken the juices as the pie bakes.
Step Six
Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, letting the excess dough hang over the edges.
Step Seven
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the apple filling with small pieces of unsalted butter.
Step Eight
Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Trim any overhanging dough to about 1 inch beyond the edge of the pie plate. Fold the edges under and crimp to seal.
Step Nine
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to create a golden finish. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
Step Ten
Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step Eleven
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step Twelve
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set. Enjoy your Cardamom Infused Apple Pie!
